Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a revered figure in Hindustani classical music and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, died at the age of 89 on Thursday morning at the Mirzapur home of his daughter, Namrata Mishra, following a prolonged illness. His daughter confirmed that he had been hospitalized for 17 to 18 days due to age-related health issues before passing away around 4 am. He is survived by his son, tabla player Ramkumar Mishra, and three daughters. His wife and one daughter passed away four years ago.
Mishra had been ailing for more than eight months and was admitted to SSL Hospital of BHU in Varanasi on September 13. After showing signs of improvement, he was discharged and was then living with his daughter, Namrata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mishra’s death as “an irreparable loss for India’s music world and a personal loss for me.” In a post on X, he praised the late vocalist for his lifelong dedication to enriching Indian art and culture, and highlighted his invaluable contributions in promoting Indian tradition globally. Modi also recalled meeting Mishra several times, mentioning that he had supported Modi in his first campaign for the Lok Sabha from Varanasi in 2014. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to him as “an inspiration” for classical music practitioners.
Mishra’s remains were cremated at Manikarnika Ghat, following a guard of honor. A distinguished representative of the Banaras gharana, Mishra excelled in the Khayal singing style and elevated the Eastern thumri and Purab Ang styles. Born on August 3, 1936, in Hariharpur village of Azamgarh, he received his initial music education from his father, Badri Prasad Mishra, and later honed his skills under Ustad Abdul Gani Khan of the Kirana gharana.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mishra received numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000, the Padma Bhushan in 2010, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of music.
